Stingrays bring another title to Black Mountain

Youth swimmers claim second straight Tarheel Swim League Championship

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 7, 2023

More than 50 swimmers from the Black Mountain Stingrays celebrated the team’s second straight Tarheel Swim League Championship, July 29, in Valdese. Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Stingrays

The first Tarheel Swim League trophy displayed at the town pool was introduced to a new neighbor, July 29, as the Black Mountain Stingrays swam away from Valdese with a second straight championship.

With a combined score of 604 through 84 events, the youth swimming organization, which features athletes from 5 to 18 years old, eclipsed second-place Forest City by more than 100 points in the seven-team conference meet. 

The Stingrays entered the 2023 season with a roster of around 150 children, according to head coach and Black Mountain Pool Director Beth Rathbone, who established the club in 2014. The program, which captured its first TSL title in 2022, has grown into the largest in the league, which includes teams from Granite Falls, Shelby, McDowell County and Lenoir and Valdese. 

Both Black Mountain squads emerged from the pool victorious, as the boys scored 359 points, while the girls posted 245. Two Stingrays - Moses Lehman (8u) and Ivy Bull (9-10) - collected first place ribbons. 

Black Mountain Stingrays Head Coach Beth Rathbone hoists the 2023 Tarheel Swim League Championship trophy in Valdese, July 29, as the program won the title for the second straight year. Photo courtesy of Black Mountain Stingrays

Penelope Young (8u), D.J. Rozenbroek (13-14) and Owen Seahorse swimmer Stephen Henson (15-18) posted second place finishes, while Jonah Lehman (9-10), Ryan Terkelson (13-14), Jack Vess (15-18) and Owen swimmer Grace Vale (15-18) each registered third place performances. 

More than 50 Black Mountain swimmers made the roughly 50-mile trip to the championship meet. The team, which features volunteer coaches and is sponsored by several local businesses, will celebrate its second straight championship season at the Black Mountain Pool at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11, during its annual awards ceremony.